X Factor Semifinals and no more saves

The boos are still there this week for Nicole Scherzinger. BOOOO. It’s funny, really, at this point.

A quick recap of last week’s drama — which incited heated comments from readers — and we’re off. Two songs each tonight, including one chosen by viewers. I expect lots of drippy ballads.

Marcus Canty:I’ll Make Love to You. Boys II Men. Way to make Marcus stretch, America. This is fine, but Marcus should have been axed weeks ago. He’s had more the enough time to really make his mark — and he hasn’t.

Melanie Amaro:Hero. Offfff course. This song. COME ON, AMERICA. And what’s with the dreary arrangement? It sounds like a funeral dirge. She looks incredibly nervous, and some of the vocal feels thin where it should be much more solid. Did not love this.

Josh Krajcik:Come Together. Easily the best so far, and I realize it within the first 10 seconds. I believe after tonight I am fully switching to Team Josh. This is poppy and polished but has the right amount of edge.

Marcus Canty:Careless Whisper. OK, maybe I shouldn’t write Marcus off yet. Love the song choice. Cheesy, but with a wink. It’s a little warbly, but I’m digging the remix. It’s much more intense and entertaining than his first song.

Nicole said “you did your thing.” Paula thought it “worked.” Simon dubbed it “horrific.” L.A. says it was “fabulous.”

Chris Rene:No One. Alicia Keys brings out the, er, better in Chris Rene. Probably his best to date, though he is easily the weakest vocalist left in the competition. And the admittedly bittersweet ode to his deceased dad is going to tug a lot of heartstrings.

Melanie Amaro:Feelin’ Good. OMG PREDICTABLE MUCH. I have heard more contestants, local and national, do this song arguably more than any other. I do like the swagger she gives it, and the vocal is solid. But it’s just. So. Predictable.